Today, we are starting a new series of posts called the 'Time Machine'. On the 'Time Machine' you will be able to experience with us some of the most fascinating collections of vintage and rare watches from private collectors around the world. This time, is the turn for a private collector in Chicago that has chosen to remain anonymous. Our friendship with this collector started after spotting a beautiful Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX5 World Chronograph on his wrist inside an elevator. After a very brief conversation with him, he asked us to follow him to his office to show us the real good stuff. This collector owns close to 500 timepieces and this is just the first of many posts we will be publishing regarding his vintage timepieces, clocks and assorted watch paraphernalia. Now, keep in mind we will be featuring all sorts of watches within these collections regardless of their price, just because we love watches as much as you do and because some of these timepieces have an interesting place in the history of horology.
During our first visit to check our friend's collection we were greeted by several very interesting and rare timepieces and a little bit of everything.
Now, enjoy the time machine!
Rare Rolex Day-Date ref. 1802 with Smooth Bezel. Very rare as most of these watches are fitted with a fluted bezel instead.
Omega Speedmaster Apollo XI 1969 Commemorative Gold Watch. Only 1000 pieces ever made. Number 1 and 2 were presented by Omega as gifts to President Richard Nixon and his Vicepresident. Considering the value of the watches, they didn't accept them and they are now on display at the Omega Museum. This is one of the other 998 ever made.
Rolex Datejust ref. 1601 with Pie Pan dial.
Breitling Premier Chronograph ref. 788
Breitling Premier Chronograph ref. 777
Omega Seamaster Chrono-Quartz Montreal Albatros ref. 1611 developed by Omega in 1975 and launched in 1976 to celebrate the Montreal Summer Olympic Games. It is believed to be the first hybrid watch in the world that combines analog and digital time displays both powered by a single quartz resonator.
Omega Seamaster 600 Professional circa 1972 nicknamed PloProf —PLOngeur PROFessionnel— by the French. The watch is fitted with a classic Milanese bracelet a.k.a. mesh bracelet.
Bulova S Stopwatch. Apollo 15 astronaut Dave Scott took an identical specially made Bulova stopwatch with him to the moon while inside the Command Module Endeavor and the Lunar Module Falcon.
World War II Russian Diver's watch with screwed-in crown protector. Still running strong.
Russian MiG Aircraft Mechanical Cockpit Clock with integrated chronograph.
Gubelin hand wound Alarm World Time desk clock with 8-Day power reserve.
Panerai Luminor Submersible Chrono 1000 Meters. Only 1,000 pieces ever made under ref. PAM00187
